Danica Patrick's hauler gets special decorating touches

Feb. 19, 2013
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Sprint Cup Series driver Danica Patrick (10) talks to the media after winning the pole position for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. She is the first woman to win a pole in Sprint Cup history. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-128756 ORIG FILE ID: 20130217_kdl_al3_085.jpg / Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports

by Heather Tucker, USA TODAY Sports

Patrick made an appearance Tuesday on Pardon the Interruption and was told just 17 percent of Daytona 500 pole-winners make it to Victory Lane.

Responded Patrick: ''I'll take those odds."

The rookie Sprint Cup driver and her crew chief, Tony Gibson, have been busy decorating her hauler. Patrick, who is dating fellow rookie Ricky Stenhouse Jr., has been getting more exposure to the NASCAR scene and Southern way of life.

"Being in NASCAR, it's Southern, and Tony Gibson put the buck head up there (a 10-point buck)," she said. "I went on Amazon and ordered a cowhide (rug), and that's going in the front of the hauler. I listen to country music now. It's kind of the NASCAR way. I like it, it's fun at times."

During a radio appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, he asked her what she would do to win a race, specifically would she wreck her boyfriend to take the checkered flag?

"I couldn't directly, viciously take someone out for the win. I think it's low," she said.. "... Now would I move someone over or get them loose, yeah. But just turning them into the wall, I mean that takes away from the win I think."

So what defines a successful 500 for Patrick?

"No. 1 not crashing out. It's really easy to crash at Daytona," Patrick said. "Finishing is going to put you in a pretty decent spot. Being able to race toward the front. If I can manage making my way toward the front kinda on my own. If I can do something like what Tony's (Stewart) able to do out there...he does a masterful job at it.

"For me, it'll be about earning some respect and trust."

So bottom line, if Patrick wins Sunday, will she get a customary kiss from Miss Sprint Cup in victory lane?

"There's only one mister that I will be kissing," Patrick responded. "I don't think that they are gonna be wearing a Sprint Cup suit. A kiss from Miss Sprint Cup? I don't think that's good. I think that would lead people astray. Hugs all around."

On whether she'd let her daughter drive, if she had one:

"It's just a generally tough job. I think we all hope we have a golfer or something like that. ... Given the bloodlines there'd probably be a pretty strong chance for the first option."

On what winning the Daytona 500 pole means:

"This is what I'm supposed to be doing - getting the most out of the car and myself," said Patrick, 30. "I think that reflection will happen in due time, like in 20 years when I'm really old."

On being viewed as a driver and a woman:

"The things that I do outside of it (driving), are separate. I don't come to the racetrack and have my hair and makeup all done up to walk down pit lane. I comb my hair and put some tinted moisturizer on and let her rip."